DULUTH, Minn. -- The Augsburg University men's basketball team secured a convincing 95-70 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference victory over the College of St. Scholasticaat Reif Gymnasium on Wednesday night. The Auggies' offense was powered by 14 three-pointers, contributing significantly to their 51-point second half. The team also dominated in the paint with 40 points, outpacing the Saints' 38 points in the same area. Notably, Augsburg showcased an impressive team effort with six players scoring in double figures.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Augsburg 95, St. Scholastica 70
LOCATION: Reif Gymnasium, Duluth, Minn.
RECORDS: Augsburg 14-5 overall (7-3 MIAC), St. Scholastica 6-15 overall (2-8 MIAC)

GAME RECAP
Augsburg opened the game with a strong offensive performance, quickly establishing momentum with a series of successful plays. Isaac Rabaey contributed early with a tip-in and a layup, helping the Auggies gain an 11–6 advantage by 16:35. The team continued to exert pressure, highlighted by Hanif Muhammad's three-pointer and defensive efforts, including a block in the final seconds that led to an Elias Batala fast-break dunk, securing a 44–31 lead by the end of the first half. Hanif Muhammad's performance, with 16 points, marked his fourth game with double figures in his last five outings, and his ninth for the season. St. Scholastica struggled with turnovers, committing seven in the first half.

The Auggies gained momentum early in the second half with Hanif Muhammad's three-pointer at 19:39, putting them ahead significantly. Keenan Rodriguez contributed with multiple three-pointers, extending Augsburg's lead to 55-37 by 16:38. Rodriguez matched a career-high with 14 points, underscoring his impactful performance. The team continued to dominate, with Trent Gomez and Elias Batala adding key baskets and free throws, expanding the advantage to 79-52 by 6:44. Elias Batala's 16-point contribution meant he has now scored in double figures in 15 of his 19 games this season. The Saints' Jayden Brown and Drelyn Jones responded with points, but Augsburg's defense maintained control in securing a decisive victory.

JJ Semanko claimed his seventh point-rebound double-double with 15 points and a season-high 16 rebounds, continuing his streak of scoring in double figures in 17 of his first 19 collegiate games, and eighth in a row.

AUGSBURG PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Keenan Rodriguez: 14 points, 5/8 field goals made, 4/7 three-pointers made, 3 assists  
• Hanif Muhammad: 16 points, 6/11 field goals made, 4 steals, 5 assists  
• Elias Batala: 16 points, 7/10 field goals made, 2 blocks, 2 steals  
• JJ Semanko: 15 points, 7/8 free throws made, 16 rebounds, 1 block  

ST. SCHOLASTICA PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Jayden Brown: 14 points, 3 rebounds  
• Davion Butler: 16 points, 7 rebounds  
• Aaron Keykal: 14 points, 7/9 field goals made, 8 rebounds

UP NEXT
• Looking ahead, Augsburg University will face Carleton College on Saturday, Jan. 31. The matchup is set for 3 p.m. at West Gym in Northfield, Minn.